Samsung’s new Galaxy S7 could look like a mini Galaxy Note 5

A leaked Galaxy S7 display panel (right) alongside a Galaxy Note 5 panel. Photo: PhoneArena

A leaked Galaxy S7 display panel (right) alongside a Galaxy Note 5 panel. Photo: PhoneArena

Samsung’s new Galaxy S7 will sport a familiar design, according to recent reports — but it may not be the Galaxy S6 clone we’ve all been expecting. According to a leaked display panel, the device may actually look just like a mini Galaxy Note 5 instead.

As you can see in the image above, the leaked Galaxy S7 display panel on the right looks almost exactly like the Galaxy Note 5 display panel on the left, only smaller. The new panel has exactly the same front-facing camera and sensor layout as its larger sibling.

The image below compares this front panel with that of last year’s Galaxy S6, which has more rounded edges, and slightly thicker bezels down the sides of the display.

Galaxy S7's display panel (left) alongside a Galaxy S6 display panel. Photo: PhoneArena

Galaxy S7’s display panel (left) alongside a Galaxy S6 display panel. Photo: PhoneArena

Last year’s panel also has a slightly smaller opening for the display itself, while the new one is expected to accommodate a 5.2-inch panel — up from 5.1 inches. That new panel is also expected to be pressure-sensitive, like the iPhone’s 3D Touch display.

We can’t confirm this leak is genuine, of course, but it certainly looks pretty convincing. Fortunately, we don’t have too long to wait for the real thing; recent reports have claimed the Galaxy S7 will arrive early this year, either at Mobile World Congress next month, or in March.